As representatives of Palestinian victims of international law violations committed by Israeli forces – before, during, and after last years offensive – the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) and, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) will continue to use all available legal mechanisms to represent the best interest of victims and to fight impunity, including through universal jurisdiction, the International Criminal Court, and UN mechanisms. We have no right to allow politics to take precedence over the rule of law and victims legitimate, non-derogable rights.
For the second time, PCHR and FIDH jointly submitted case files to the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court. These cases provide clear evidence indicating the commission of international crimes during Israels 27 December 2008 – 18 January 2009 offensive on the Gaza Strip. Those implicated in these crimes served at the highest levels of Israels political and military establishment.
It is imperative that the Office of the Prosecutor makes a decision regarding the International Criminal Court`s jurisdiction over crimes committed in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli army during Operation Cast Lead, and prevent the establishment of an effective zone of impunity, beyond the reach of enforceable international criminal law.